Member Spotlight

Tap the images to read about our stories.

Stig's story

Stig

I joined Freemasonry in 1971 on account of my admiration of, and friendship with, Freemasons. My youthful enthusiasm for Freemasonry has endured for the past 44 years and my Masonic journey is far from over. It simply continues through various phases of discovery.

I would say to anyone thinking of becoming a Freemason that he would discover unique, enduring friendships and a spiritual 'battery charger', which creates time-out from our contemporary uber-busy lives. I would also tell him that good men become better men - better husbands, better fathers, better neighbours. Men of moral courage, wisdom and vision have not only been members of our Order but have changed world history for the better.

Freemasonry has connected me with countless Brethren around the world - I have visited Lodges in many countries where I have always been received with friendship and accepted with brotherly love. Their ideals and aspirations in society are inseparable from my own.

Unlike clubs and associations where people drop in and out, Freemasonry is a way of life - a very pleasant and rewarding way of life.

“Men of moral courage, wisdom and vision have not only been members of our Order, but have changed world history for the better.”

Jhon's story

Jhon

I was initiated into Freemasonry on my fortieth birthday in my home country of Colombia. Joining Freemasonry was the result of difficult self-questioning for me as I was brought up in a religion where Freemasonry is considered the ‘devil’s cult’. When I researched more about it, I discovered that there were many famous people who had been Freemasons and they were free thinkers looking for a universal philosophy. I found I identified more with that group than with the religion of my birth.

The most important aspect for me now is to respect other people, their beliefs, their lifestyle, and their thoughts. I think that respect is the key to a good society. Freemasonry is very relevant today because many young people do not have strong beliefs about any doctrine and are more open minded. Freemasonry's philosophy will help them to develop strong values and respect – not just for human beings but for all of creation.

While I am in Australia I can be part of a Lodge here. When you became a Freemason, you have the welcome of thousands of brethren around the world. Being a Freemason is being part of a large and warm family.

“Freemasonry is very relevant today because many young people now do not have a philosophy to help them create values and respect…”

John's story

John

My first impressions of Freemasonry were a sense of being very comfortable, feeling accepted and being welcomed with open arms. I was initiated at the Wynnum Masonic Centre (Tuscan Lodge) in 2011 and it has encouraged me to be the best that I can possibly be in all that I do.

I love the traditions and ceremonies. I love seeing the looks on new members’ faces when they get a sense of it all. I think it’s the certainty of these traditions that makes Freemasonry the positive life-support it is.

If we’re going to be better members of the community, then charity work is a big part of that and I’m involved with that too.

I think Freemasonry is very relevant for young men who may feel lost because their sense of morals isn’t being met or they feel different from their mates and want a supportive group. My dream is that every man can experience what I experience as a Freemason. As a Freemason, you’ll never be alone again. When my mother died, I had only been a member for about six months but five members came to the funeral at Cooroy to support me and my family.

“If we’re going to be better members of the community, then charity work is a big part of that.”

Peter's story

Peter

I was mainly motivated to join Freemasons Queensland by wanting male company and wanting to be around positive people. My wife suggested Freemasons could be a good option and she encouraged me.

It is a very welcoming society with a wide mix of men from all walks of life - tradesmen, business owners and corporate executives. There are Christians, Muslims and other religions. I’m not overly religious so Freemasonry is a good fit for me.

The tradition is an important part of it - I enjoy knowing that many others before me have been through the same ceremonies and it gives me a feeling of belonging and that I am involved in something of great importance.

You can get out of Freemasonry whatever you are looking for. It can be fundraising and helping others, new friends or just being around positive men in a welcoming environment.

“I enjoy knowing that many others before me have been through the same ceremonies and it gives me a sense of belonging…”

Mepi's story

Mepi

My grandfather was a Freemason and it was mainly curiosity that led me to find out more. I was initiated in Brisbane in 2011 and am now a member of the Lodge in St George.

I enjoy the tradition and ceremonies, which are very appropriate and rich. Freemasonry has also given me companionship, a strong network and I have become a more confident speaker.

We have a mix of men and religions - young, old, Muslim, Baha’i, Jewish and Christian. It enriches my life by being part of that group and meeting as equals. By being around other good men, you become better. It’s still a very relevant organisation and takes surprisingly little effort to be involved.

“It enriches my life by being part of that group and meeting as equals.”

Fran's story

Fran

I have been brought up within the Masonic family and have a long line of relatives in Freemasonry. My father joined North Australian No. 1 Lodge at age 21 and was an active member for almost 50 years until he left due to ill health. I also have uncles and grandfathers who were Freemasons.

I belong to an organisation known as Job’s Daughters, for young women aged 10-20 who are related to a Master Mason. I found out about it when I was seven and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to join! We learn leadership skills, team building, respect, dignity - and we make many new friends.

In 1987 I was crowned ‘Miss Queensland Job’s Daughter’ and travelled to the USA to represent Queensland. I now serve on the Job’s Daughters Council at Sunnybank and I was elected Jurisdictional Guardian. Like the Freemasons, we are involved in fundraising - this year the girls are participating in ‘Jump Rope for Heart’, which supports the Heart Foundation.

My own daughters joined the organisation in 2010 and are continuing the active support of Masonic values.

“I belong to an organisation known as Job’s Daughters, for young women aged 10-20 who are related to a Master Mason.”

Adam's story

Adam

I was curious about Freemasonry for years before eventually being initiated at Stones Corner Masonic Temple in 2013.

I love the rich history in Freemasonry. I think that is part of why it works so well; It has a proven track record. It has been around since time immemorial for a reason - because it teaches a man how to be amongst men. Some of the greatest people to have lived were Freemasons, how can it be anything but good?

Freemasonry has made myself a better person. I had the desire to make myself better but was unsure how to achieve that. Freemasonry has helped show me how. I now have greater patience for things outside my control. I have more respect for people, especially those with differing views from me. I am more accepting of the world and all within it.

The thing I enjoy most is researching the rich history of Freemasonry. I enjoy trying to understand the hidden mysteries within Freemasonry, its symbols and their hidden meanings. I think I could explore forever on some of these topics as the truth is buried so deep in the past but I enjoy sharing my thoughts with other Freemasons and hearing theirs.

“I enjoy trying to understand the hidden mysteries within Freemasonry and its symbols.”

Hamish's story

Hamish

It was partly my father’s recommendation and partly curiosity that led me to the Freemasons. We hear quite a lot about it in the media but not actual reliable facts. My first impressions were somewhat overwhelming but also everyone was very welcoming. I was initiated into Lodge Ashton (meeting at Stones Corner) in 2011.

I enjoy participating in the ceremonies - both the giving and receiving aspect. It’s great that all religions are welcome and we have a range of faiths in our Lodge. We recently did a third degree ceremony for a Muslim brother and the only difference was that we made sure there was a copy of the Koran there for him. To us he is just another brother.

It’s ultimately teaching something very simple - that doing the right thing is the best thing to do.

Freemasonry helped me make many new friends I wouldn’t have had otherwise and I’ve also become more confident. For me it’s mostly about meeting similar-thinking men who don’t care about where you work or how much you earn but only that you’re a good person who’s willing to learn.